Serenity Foundation

Established in 2014, the Serenity Foundation is a charity that founded Gandhi Nivas to reduce family harm in New Zealand.

It is the formalisation of the community service Nirvana Health Group founder and foundation trustee Ranjna Patel has been involved in throughout her working life.

The foundation has two trustees: Ranjna Patel (right) and her daughter-in-law, Nikki Patel (left).

Philanthropy has long been a strong drive for the Patels. As well as donating her time and expertise to a myriad of local and national committees and advisory boards, Ranjna Patel has also worked closely with her community supporting schools by funding books and sports gear for students for more than 20 years.

Early intervention for family violence

The first official project of the Serenity Foundation is Gandhi Nivas, a programme that provides emergency housing, counselling and referral to social services for men who have either been issued with a Police Safety Order, or are otherwise involved in police matters related to family violence.